§ 20. Mr. THORNEasked the Minister of Health whether he has received a report from his inspector in connection with the scarlet fever outbreak at Denham, Bucks; whether he can state the number of children affected; whether adjacent schools have been closed on account of the epidemic; and what action is being taken to prevent the outbreak spreading?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREMy right hon. Friend has now received a report from his medical officer on this outbreak. The number of children affected is 81. Only the two elementary schools affected have been closed on account of the outbreak. The outbreak was found to be due to the consumption of raw milk, which had been neither pasteurised nor boiled, and the medical officer of health at once arranged for the pasteurisation of all further milk from the dairy concerned. This precaution effected the immediate arrest of the outbreak. The source of the infection of the milk was later traced to a milker on a farm supplying the dairy, and he was removed to the isolation hospital for observation. My right hon. Friend is advised that adequate precautions have been taken to prevent any further spread of the infection.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSCan the hon. Member tell us exactly what action the 1364 Minister of Health and the Minister of Agriculture are taking to put into operation the recommendation of the Hopkins report in regard to infected milk?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREThe hon. Member will realise that a very big issue is involved in that report, and I hope he will allow some time for its consideration.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the hon. Member not aware that his right hon. Friend informed an influential deputation that the two Ministers were expecting to take a decision almost immediately the report was made available?
§ Mr. MACQUISTENDoes not this show the dangers of milk as a beverage?